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Tighter turkey stocks will likely push prices higher heading into the holidays

A livestock economist says consumers should prepare for more expensive holiday turkeys this year.  

In addition to rising retail prices from inflationary pressures, University of Missouri’s Scott Brown says turkey stocks have also tightened.  Supplies are down nearly 5% on the year and down nearly 25% from the 2015 to 2019 period.  “It’s fairy light in terms of turkey stocks,” he says. “It will be really interesting to see where prices go at Thanksgiving into Christmas where we traditionally see a lot of turkey consumption happening.”

But, he tells Brownfield he doesn’t anticipate an extreme shortage heading into the holiday season.  “There will be availability,” he says.  “It may just be at higher prices and maybe shorter supplies than normal.  Maybe those waiting for the really best deals at the grocery store for that holiday turkey may find those hard to come by for the first time in awhile.”

Brown made his comments during the latest Weekly Livestock Market Update on Brownfield.